DOZENS of firefighters worked through the night to contain a massive blaze at a waste recycling centre.

The first of more than twenty 999 calls to the Rabbit Waste Management building in Chartwell Road, Lancing, was made at 1.15am this morning.

Firefighters battled to contain the fire to a large building measuring 85 metres by 35 metres containing more than 500 tonnes of wood chippings used for recycling.

It is the second major fire at a recycling centre in a matter of weeks following a fire at Greystone Quarry in Southerham, near Lewes, last month in which 200 tonnes of rubbish caught fire.

At the height of the incident, ten fire engines, an aerial ladder platform, two bulk water carriers, and a high volume pump unit were in operation with crews from both West Sussex and East Sussex fire and rescue services on scene.

Residents have been reassured that the smoke from the fire is not believed to be toxic.

A West Sussex Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “The fire was attacked using ground monitors and jets with firefighters working hard to prevent the fire spreading to the rest of the building and plant room.

“The incident has now been scaled down but is expected to be protracted with fire crews at the scene for most of the day.

“Thanks to all the crews that attended for the way they tackled the fire to stop it spreading, and a special mention to our control operator colleagues for managing the busy mobilising and standby moves to help maintain fire cover across the county.”